R and R, Riu Style

Part of the renovation included the lobby which features Capuchino, a coffee and pastry bar

The newly renovated Riu Palace Paradise has much to offer. Recently modernized common areas, including the stunning lobby and pool deck, new restaurants, our favourite was the Jerk Chicken hut (poolside) and Chutney which serves authentic Indian cuisine family style, and did we mention the new policy, adults only… we were into that! Sunwing flew us down to check out the resort for all our readers.

Usually all inclusives are known for their quantity not quality, this was not the case. On top of creative dining, the quality of service exceeded our expectations. Whether it was your masseur at the renowned Renova Spa or a maintenance worker, every member of the staff smiled and asked how everything was. It was beyond impressive and welcoming!

We know food is one of the most important things on vacation (or just in general) and we had high hopes for the adults only hotel. Those hopes were surpassed, whether you crave Japanese, Indian, Fusion or good old North American cuisine you can indulge in what your heart desires! With so many options and a policy of accommodating all guests, compared to the more common method of a one restaurant per trip policy, everyone seemed happy. It’s safe to say we were never hungry!

Authentic Indian cuisine served at Riu’s Chutney

If you plan on wandering off the resort here is our list of must sees and mustn’ts:

Fresh tuna tacos and fried conch fritters served ocean side at Blue Sail Restaurant and Bar

Must sees:

The ocean! If possible set out on a catamaran adventure and snorkel near the reef. We were shocked by the schools of fish, just dozens right at your finger tips! Sunwing Experiences set up a full day of ocean cruising for us and we were in love with the sea and the amazingly fun boat party. Check out other excursions at www.sunwing.ca/en/excursions.

Blue Sail Restaurant and Bar. It has an impeccable view of the coast and decadent conch fritters.

The fish fry. Want authentic food? Head over and under the bridge! Here you will find locals cooking up freshly caught fish, preparing conch straight from the ocean and ice cold beer.

Mustn’ts:

The city. The touristy area is nothing special. Although it’s sprinkled with a few interesting buildings, the amount of North American stores and sheer volume of people was overwhelming. There wasn’t really anything worth while and you could spend your time better sitting at the new pool bar that overlooks the ocean at the Riu Palace Paradise Island!

Things we look forward to in the future: an ATM, a gift shop, and an expansion of Renova Spa’s services (i.e. massages on the beach/on an outside terrace).

All in all our vacay to Riu Palace Paradise Island was a fabulous experience. It checked all the boxes, it was close to the airport, there is nothing worse than getting off a flight and having to sit on a bus for over an hour, situated close to historic sites, attractions, great local spots and next to the Atlantis, so if you want to throw some Craps or try your luck at the Black Jack table, go ahead, incredible turquoise ocean views from your room, and of course the people.